38Buick 80C

Not quite sure I like how the exhaust bracket bolts to the bellhousing. I think the exhaust might be a bit different than the OEM being the issue Hard to see but it is not right to the bellhousing. I installed the splash pans on the Driver's side and relocated to the correct spot the drain tube from the carb. Finally I installed the pedals.

As mentioned earlier in the thread... It's Labor Day weekend so I talked the missing Throw out bearing support. I had ordered some 1/2" course 4.5" long bolts and I cut the heads off first. With the heads cut off they became support guides for the trans From there I unbolted the rear end from the frame and the trans support brace, etc., etc. I put the rear axle wheels on rolling caster dollies After that it was fairly easy. Pulled the complete drive train back, installed the missing piece, re installed the trans. Took longer to unbolt the whole thing (and then re-bolt it all).

In the MORNING???!?!?!??!!?!? 😱

I received my new chassis serial number plate. Shout out to Nostalgic Reflections for a job well done!

I'm thinking if I bring the 80C we have the makings of a Harem... 😗

A handful of items this AM First off there really is only one place the bracket can mount to on the bell housing. And then front brake hoses. Coil And carb

some photos during disassembly

I filled the trans this AM. I have blue painters tape on the oil dip stick.

So a couple oopses to take care of will require some redo unfortunately. Front exhaust pipe will have to come off to install this bracket. And then the bigger redo is for this The throw out bearing support... Yup trans has to come off for that one. Oh well, glad I noticed it on the exploded view diagram when I was looking at it for pedal install. Better to realize it now when I have access to everything. It did take me a minute to find where I actually put it hence why I forgot to include it during install. This will probably be my labor day weekend project. Hopefully will get some more done tomorrow.

Some miscellaneous engine dressing Plugs and plug wire retainers Fuel flood drain Fuel pump, don't think I'm done with that yet.l pending file and vacuum line hook ups Fan blades and pulley And finally generator

Trans support bracket took some time to get sorted but it's on.

Not shown I did final gasket installation on push rod cover and thus could get to distributor install. It didn't want to go down flush with the block, but I kept tightening a little each side which was not over stressing anything eventually got it fully down to the block. And then starter installed

Trans balls and springs in place and then cover on. Then water pump and by pass value installed.

Some gear oil, light pressure with a big pry bar and she's free. Took 5 minutes. On with the restoration...

I did try that but think I will try it again. the rail moves freely when disconnected from the red circled gear.

It's just the reflections playing tricks nothing in there. This trans was taken down to nothing and rebuilt by me. There are no foreign misc. pieces.

As noted previously I built 2 transmissions at the same time earlier. I'm quite certain gears are in the correct places and orientations. The red circled gear will not slide back and forth... that is the problem, it would seem. Oil I ordered from Amazon will be here soon and I will keep trying to free it.

In 38 I have holes in the chassis where the strap attaches. In '39 they removed that part of the chassis so the tank must attach to the body in '39 I assume. Perhaps that carried over into '42 but what a poor design if such. i honestly don't know specific to '43 but just sharing some thoughts. That said, is this a hole in the chassis?

Nothing is moving freely. So let's assume you are correct two gears are engaged at one... How do I unengage one of them?

Some more progress, but ended early. Installed the lifters and push rods And then the rockers and put covers on just to make it look nice...and get them out of the way. Next installed the steering box/column and steering arms. Finally I installed the manifolds and the front exhaust pipe. It was at this point I discovered a problem that after messing with it enough I ended the day. The exhaust pipe was too far forward cause the entire system got pushed forward. I realized I needed to move the car forward a bit for the pipe to have enough room against the back wall... But nope car wouldn't move...like it's in gear. I ended up just jacking up the axle to move it forward and complete the pipe. I tried installing the cover and getting the car in neutral but the shift lever won't move anything. Off came the cover... I'm not sure exactly what's going on but I think it's trans related and I think it's this gear. It should slide back and forth and it's not and I think it's the one hung. I was able to rotate the motor before install cause that how I boletsnin the clutch The rear axle free-wheels with wheels in the air. That gear was sliding all over when I was installing the trans on the motor. And yes I've banged on it with a fine adjustment hammer and tried to pry at it too gently. It move just a touch but I dare not give it the full beans. So anyone have some ideas to try? I'm sure I will figure it out but decided I was gonna break something if I kept going today.

SMS isn't fabricating anything. They are just sending fabric... my local upholstery shop will do the entire car. same guy that did my 80C. I assumed OVER as well hence the order now...

I guess I should mention I ordered the bedford cord and the broadloom. I bought them from SMS Auto Fabric...Lets see how long it takes for me to get them in hand. Any one want to wager on the over under of a year??

That's a wrap for today.

Then my helper came out to put the motor in. Which was a real fight for some reason nothing wanted to go in smoothly. But as of 8:30 she's fully bolted it (I need to check bolts to torque settings, but I'm spent for tonight). Nico really hung in with me while I was struggling with everything. I could tell he was bored as hell, but he stayed there until it was set in place.

Did the rear brakes too